Metropolitan Volodymyr Responds to Threats of Forced Seizure of UOC Cathedral

Met. Volodymyr and the clergy of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi and Kovel Eparchy. [CREDIT: Facebook]

VOLODYMYR-VOLYNSKYI — Metropolitan Volodymyr of Volodymyr-Volynskyi and Kovel has issued a pastoral appeal in response to new threats from People’s Deputy Ihor Huz, who vowed to forcibly remove the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) from its historic Holy Dormition Cathedral complex in Volodymyr. The cathedral also houses the eparchial administration and a longstanding theological school.

UOJ (SPZh) reports that during an interview with journalist Yuriy Rychuk, Deputy Huz, who represents the For the Future party, declared his intention to ensure the eviction of UOC clergy and faithful from the site, claiming that the property belongs to the state. In the interview, Huz states:

“After October 9 there will be the final court decision – and that’s all then. I am doing everything possible now so that the state, represented by the National Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the SBU, implements all the relevant court decisions. If not – we will lead policemen in there by the hand." 

He went further, saying it was his “cherished dream” that Serhii (Epifaniy) Dumenko, head of Constantinople's Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), would celebrate a “service” in the cathedral once the UOC community had been expelled.

In response, Metropolitan Volodymyr published a video address on October 7 calling on the clergy, monastics, and laity to remain steadfast in prayer amid what he described as a grave violation of constitutional rights and a threat to the spiritual life of the eparchy.

“Currently, there are ongoing legal cases that pose a danger to the peaceful life of our majestic shrine—the ancient Dormition Cathedral,” he said. “There is a risk that the church will cease to be filled with prayer, and its premises may be used for purposes other than intended, which contradicts the very essence of its creation.”

The Metropolitan also drew attention to the theological school located at the cathedral, which has long served as a key center of Orthodox education in the Volyn region. “Its future is now under threat,” he warned, noting that the eparchial administration, which coordinates over three hundred parishes, could also be seized.

“I would like to gently remind you that this would be an infringement on the constitutional and religious rights of our faithful, and on Ukrainian citizens’ rights to faith and freedom of conscience,” Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized.

Concluding his appeal, he called for peace, unity, and trust in God’s justice: “Let us pray together that the Lord softens the hearts of those who wish harm to our Church, community, or people, and that love and peace prevail—for the good of our Church and the state of Ukraine.”

The latest court developments follow a broader campaign of pressure against the UOC, whose communities have faced increasing legal challenges and property seizures since 2022. The Kyiv Court of Appeal recently rejected the Dormition Cathedral community’s complaint, clearing the way for potential state action against the eparchy in the coming weeks.

UOJ-USA recently reported Met. Theodosiy of Cherkasy's appeal to Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople in the wake of Dumenko serving in the Cherkasy cathedral. Footage from the violent seizure of the Cherkasy cathedral shocked the world when it went viral in November 2024. During the seizure, armed men beat and shot at parishioners; one man, filmed firing shots inside the cathedral, was later nominated for a council position in the Ministry of Defense.

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